Judas Iscariot

Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus of Nazareth, and is best known for being the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

During his time as part of the twelve disciples, Judas was in charge of managing the money, but the Gospels present him as an ambiguous figure, and some even mention that he stole from the common purse. His name has been marked in history for being responsible for handing Jesus over to the authorities, which initiated the events that led to his crucifixion. Judas's surname, "Iscariot," could refer to his place of origin (perhaps Kerioth, in Judea) or have a symbolic meaning.

Jesus had two disciples with the same name: Judas Iscariot and Judas Thaddeus. Judas Iscariot and Judas Thaddeus were two different disciples of Jesus. Judas Iscariot is known for having betrayed Jesus by handing him over to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver, which made him a symbol of betrayal. In contrast, Judas Thaddeus, also known as Judas of James, was a faithful apostle and is venerated as a saint, especially recognized as the patron saint of difficult causes. To avoid confusion between the two, the Gospels clarify that Judas Thaddeus “is not Iscariot.”

Judas Iscariot is not the favorite character in the Easter story. Judas and Jesus were very close, but Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. The story of Judas is a tragic reminder of what happens when we choose our own way instead of God's.

Judas saw Jesus' miracles and listened to His teachings, but his heart rejected the light Jesus offered. He clung to his own desires and expectations. Judas wanted Jesus to be a different kind of Messiah: a political leader, a wealthy and influential person, a liberator. And when Jesus didn't fit his mold, he turned against Him.

Judas's betrayal wasn't just a physical act; it was a spiritual rejection. He chose darkness over light, self-interest over selfless love. And when Judas Iscariot realized the gravity of his actions, he was consumed by guilt and despair. He didn't even try to see if the same grace existed for him as for Peter.

According to the Gospels, Judas made a deal with the religious leaders of the time, agreeing to hand over Jesus in exchange for thirty pieces of silver. During the Last Supper, Jesus announced that one of his disciples was going to betray him, and although he didn't point this out directly at first, he later revealed it to be Judas. Later that night, Judas led the soldiers to the place where Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane. To identify him, he approached and greeted him with a kiss, which has gone down in history as "the kiss of Judas," a symbol of betrayal disguised as affection.

After the betrayal, Judas felt remorse. The Gospel of Matthew tells of his attempt to return the money:

With that money, the priests bought a piece of land that was called the "Field of Blood." Judas Iscariot became the universal symbol of betrayal. His figure has been portrayed in art, literature, and film in a multitude of ways, almost always as the quintessential traitor, although some modern interpretations seek to qualify or even redeem his role in the story.

The story of Judas Iscariot is not only about betrayal, but about missing the moment of transformation. He had the opportunity to walk with Jesus, to experience His grace, but he chose a different path. It is a sobering reminder that even those close to Jesus can miss the transforming power of His love.

Don't let your heart resist the Light of the World! Don't let your own desires blind you to the truth. Open your heart to Jesus, surrender your plans to His, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out. Don't let the tragedy of Judas be your story. Choose life, choose forgiveness, choose Jesus.